Sewage-sniffing canines to look for failing septic systems

Specially trained dogs will search for human sewage in areas of the Bass River, Bass Creek and Deer creek watersheds.

Twenty-one stream crossings in that watershed — in parts of Georgetown, Blendon and Allendale townships — will be screened Aug. 11-13, a statement from Becky Huttenga, executive director of the Ottawa Conservation District said.

Dogs from Environmental Canine Services will help identify streams that are being contaminated by sewage from failing or poorly functioning septic systems, the statement said. The Ottawa Conservation District will then focus its education and outreach program in the areas identified by the canines and encourage homeowners to address any septic issues.

The work is funded by an Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 319 grant. The grant does provide some funds for cost sharing the expense of the septic repair or replacement, the statement said. Homeowners who are interested must apply at lgrow.org/bassriverdeercreek/about.